February 25, 2015

Collegiate Perspective: Always Alpha Phi

You’re in your last semester of undergrad, and you’re finally about to graduate. You’ve come a long way and worked really hard to get to this point. You still have a fun filled calendar full of Alpha Phi events and activities. However, you no longer have a position, and are beginning to feel that because of this, you are losing touch with the chapter. You may also begin to feel that it’s hard to relate with some of your younger sisters, as you are older and approaching a different phase in your life. If this sounds a little bit familiar, you are not alone. Luckily, there are many ways you can still be involved!

Be a mentor: You most likely already have your fair share of younger members of your Phi Family, which means you most likely won’t be getting any more. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reach out and spend time with younger members. As a senior member, you have experienced a lot through your time as a collegian. Offering advice and guidance will help members discover their true leadership potential.

Join a committee (or two): You may not have an official position, but if you’d like to still contribute in a more concrete way, you can join a committee. It can be for your chapter’s Red Dress Gala, or a fraternity’s charity event. This also gives you another way to spend time with your sisters, whether they’re in your graduating class or have just joined!

Apply for other opportunities within Alpha Phi: There is an incredible opportunity that has recently emerged for upper year collegians that I have been lucky enough to be a part of. Along with being a Collegiate Perspective Blogger for this semester (which is open to all years), I have nothing but incredible things to say about Alpha Phi’s Leadership Fellow Program! I had the chance to meet empowering women, improve my professional skills, and further strengthen my relationship with Alpha Phi.

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On the flip side, you may be an executive member of your chapter and are experiencing challenges keeping your seniors engaged in chapter activities. This is not uncommon, but does need attention. It is true that seniors do need some space to figure out what their plans are for after graduation, but it is important to maintain contact and encourage continued participation. You could introduce an award recognizing a senior for their contribution to the chapter over the years. Or maybe initiate an event that will soften the transition from senior to alumnae life such as an alumnae brunch or a professional women’s panel (both events all members can benefit from, regardless of their grade). You may reach out to upperclassmen members themselves and ask them what they think will help them continue to feel involved in Alpha Phi!I myself have had a hard time adapting to being a “general member,” but it has helped me grow and appreciate Alpha Phi even MORE – for what the organization is, and what it stands for. I’ve chosen to become an Alpha Phi whole-heartedly, and that doesn’t mean just for the first few years. It means all the way through my collegiate years, and far into my years as an alumnae. Cassie Caranci is a collegiate member at Western University (Theta Eta). Learn more about Cassie by clicking here.